The Foundation for Partnership and Civil Society Development

European Youth Environment Sentinels - EYES

Location: Italy
Project value: 35.617,00 Eur
Role: Co-Applicant
Donors: European Commission - Education, Audiovisual and Communication Executive Agency (EACEA)
Duration: 31/12/2014 – 31/10/2015

The EYES project aims to put the civic participation of young Europeans at the service of health and environment. By offering young people from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to interact, share knowledge and debate, this proposal aims at reducing the distance between citizens and Europe - both as an institution and as a combination of communities and cultures. The main objective is to involve youth workers active in the field of health promotion and protection of the environment, and to ensure that their views are heard at European level. To do this, mixed pairs of "sentinels" (obervateurs, alert and local stakeholders on topics of health and environment launchers) will be formed by each of our partners. Their participation in activities under the project is given a "multiplier" role through local initiatives: these pairs will give young people and others in their community the opportunity to be active on issues related to health and the environment, and to make recommendations at the local, national, and European levels.

OBJECTIVES:
Accordingly with the objectives and goals of mobility projects supported by the Erasmus program, + EYES aims at vehiculating a strong intercultural and European dimension. The 40 "sentinels" to be brought to meet come from diverse backgrounds, thus improving their knowledge and understanding of other cultures and giving them the opportunity to establish a European network. In addition, their active participation on topics of European interest will be expected to foster a sense of European identity and citizenship. The geographical coverage of the project - which goes beyond the borders of the European Union (Western Balkans and Caucasus) - will further promote this common identity in an enlarged Europe.
By experiencing a sense of belonging to the European Union more deep and meaningful, participants will gain the confidence to actively take part in the (local and European) democracy.